XIV

REBECCA

Time lost its meaning as I languished in that wretched place, trapped in a perpetual state of uncertainty. The boundaries between day and night blurred, leaving me disoriented and desperate for relief from the relentless agony. My head throbbed incessantly, my body succumbed to weakness.

The restraints on my wrists sent waves of pain coursing through me, each touch of the rope against my tender skin evoking pitiful whimpers. My flesh bore the marks of my futile struggles, raw and oozing blood.

Brayden, Avim, and Leon, in their relentless pursuit of information, took turns subjecting me to their interrogations. Frustration tainted their voices as they probed for answers, growing weary of my repeated denials.

"I didn't do it," I insisted, my words tinged with defiance.

How could they not understand? I despised monsters like Raffaele and my own father, Herman. Yet, I kept my loathing hidden, refusing to reveal the truth. My life was already hanging by a thread, and admitting